In Part 1 we showed an example of how pride can get in the way of following a comprehensive treatment plan that will manifest the consequences years or even decades later. In Part 2 we will explore additional factors that may also impact a patient’s decisions to change treatment protocol.
COST OF TREATMENT. Some people lack adequate health insurance. Medication and/or certain therapies may not be covered. Paying out-of-pocket for medications or therapies makes it difficult for some people to afford them, especially when living on a fixed income. Such factors might lead some to take “short-cuts” regarding their treatment, such as not attending therapy or taking medication as often as it is prescribed.
COMPLEXITY OF TREATMENT. Some people have trouble understanding the doctor’s explanation of a diagnosis, its causes, the prescribed treatment and why it’s prescribed. Others have difficulty understanding directions. Yet, when people leave, they become anxious and fearful about doing something “wrong”. Fear may cause to err on the side of doing nothing, at all.
SIDE-EFFECTS. Some people overreact to negative aspects of treatment, such as a bitter taste, physical discomfort, or possibly needing to stop “something”, such as alcohol, grapefruit, or sitting upright for 30 minutes.
LACK OF TRUST. Some patients are simply not “sold” on the possibility of success for resolving a condition, or of a new treatment for the condition.
APATHY. For whatever reason, a patient may not fully grasp the importance of a prescribed treatment and/or realize the potential benefits or curative results of the treatment – how much more enjoyable life could be.
As with my mom, Pride might also impact your consideration of the cost of treatment. Newly developed treatments and medications are commonly the result of costly research; “generic” alternatives are not, yet, available. Deductibles and co-pays may be higher, and the number of visits (to a therapist, for example) may be limited and inadequate.
Keeping quiet, or nodding is not the answer! You may be unaware of options or resources which you would never learn about unless you ask. I had a client with a history of premature rupture of membranes, causing the prematurity of her first-born child. When she was ready to have a second child, her doctor told her she would need to receive a weekly injection to prevent it from happening, again. The cost for each weekly office visit and injection was $200. By letting her doctor know about her limited means, the drug company was contacted and offered her a waiver, thereby, limiting her cost to only $75.00 per week.
Beyond office visits and treatments, the cost of needed medical supplies (e.g., adult Depends, gloves, bandages for dressing changes, etc.) may also be prohibitive. Rather than seeking such needed supplies from medical suppliers, or letting a facility supply them. You can shop for less expensive alternatives online. When my mother needed placement in an assisted living facility, I chose to supply the Depends and gloves, myself. I was able to purchase them for half of what the facility would charge.
Difficulty in understanding one’s prescribed course of treatment may also be complicated by one’s Pride. If you do not fully understand what your doctor has explained and you do not ask follow-up questions, you may be unprepared to follow the treatment plan as prescribed. Beyond your understanding of the treatment plan, your doctor must understand your current “situation”. Without this understanding, your doctor would not realize your need to explore other options. A home health aide, for example, could be available to assist you in your home without the need for a more costly, short-term stay in a healthcare facility. Home health providers will also provide supplies – and, education about complying with your treatment plan. Once you are in your doctor’s examining room, do NOT let your doctor leave the room until you are confident that you understand the plan. Ask questions; take notes.
COMMUNICATION does not simply mean that your doctor understands your symptoms. It means you understand the treatment plan. Prescribed medications may be accompanied by side effects. Keep your doctor informed of how you are being affected. Most doctors’ offices offer online access via “patient portals”, allowing you to provide updated information or to ask questions without having to go to the office. Together, with your doctor, you can consider the effectiveness of a particular treatment – and, its side effects, or, whether you might modify your treatment plan. When considering treatment plans, be sure to let your doctor know what you may have tried previously and its level of success. By communicating with your doctor, you might determine a treatment plan likely to be more successful.